10 Fun Things to Do in Ocean Springs, MS

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The Mississippi Gulf Coast has so much to offer, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, was the perfect addition to our Tampa-to-New Orleans road trip. It has that charming, artsy, small-town feel, but there are still so many fun things to do in Ocean Springs, from walkable streets and local boutiques to coffee shops, beach time, live music, and seriously good food.

Ocean Springs is perfect for a laid-back weekend getaway, and it’s only about an hour and a half from New Orleans. Downtown is very walkable, which makes it easy to hop between restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops without over-planning every minute.

Things to Do in Ocean Springs, MS

1. Explore Government Street

Government Street is the heart of downtown Ocean Springs and the best place to start your trip. You can walk up and down the street and find restaurants, boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and bars all tucked into one charming, easy-to-explore area.

Several of the places below are on or near Government Street, so this is one of those spots where wandering actually works.

2. Twelve Oaks Nature Trail

Twelve Oaks Nature Trail is not the longest nature trail, which is exactly the kind Remi prefers, but it packs a lot into a short walk. The easy half-mile loop winds through mossy oaks, mixed pine and hardwood forest, swampy areas, and a tidal wetland before leading you to a peaceful observation deck.

Because of all that lush, wetland-y scenery, especially in the warmer months, definitely bring bug spray.

Tip: you may almost miss the sign even if you’re using GPS. The trail is tucked back off Hanley Road, so keep an eye out once you’re close.

3. Check Out the Beach

You are on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after all! I’ll admit, coming from Florida, I still prefer our beaches, and we were saving most of our beach time for Orange Beach. But if you want a slow morning walk, sunset moment, or picnic by the water, Ocean Springs still gives you a pretty coastal break.

If you’re staying downtown, you’ll be close to Front Beach, which has white sand, fire pits, volleyball nets, and a relaxed local feel. You can also make your beach stop extra cute with a curated picnic from Coastal Picnic & Co.

4. Head Next Door to Biloxi

Biloxi is such a short drive from Ocean Springs and makes an easy afternoon add-on. We checked out the Biloxi Lighthouse area, stopped at Half Shell Oyster House, and popped into the casinos. There are several to choose from, but we ended up at Hard Rock because it was a quick walk from Half Shell Oyster House.

A couple of other popular Biloxi casino resorts mentioned to us were Golden Nugget and Beau Rivage. We’re not huge gamblers, but it was still a fun stop to try our luck, and we somehow came out $10 ahead. A tiny warm-up before the big leagues in Las Vegas 😉

5. Listen to Live Music at Beer House & Mosaic

Beer House & Mosaic was our first stop once we arrived in Ocean Springs, and it was exactly the kind of place you want after a travel day. It has indoor and outdoor dining, tapas-style bites, cocktails, and a laid-back patio vibe.

Their bar area was gorgeous, so we grabbed seats there and tried the strawberry mojito and white sangria. We were also obsessed with the pulled pork quesadilla, especially that chipotle aioli on top.

With beer, wine, craft cocktails, globally inspired small plates, and an inviting patio, this is an easy stop to add to your Ocean Springs itinerary.

6. Do an Oyster Shooter at Half Shell Oyster House

Half Shell Oyster House in Biloxi is a perfect stop before hitting the casinos, especially if you love Gulf Coast seafood. We skipped a full meal but couldn’t resist trying the oyster shooters, a cocktail, and charbroiled oysters, and everything hit the spot.

The shooters, with their horseradish kick and Old Bay rim, were a standout, especially for Remi. Their cocktail menu made it hard to choose, but I went with the berry martini, and Remi’s margarita was light and refreshing, even by my tequila-averse standards. If you visit, definitely go hungry.

7. Visit a Speakeasy

If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good speakeasy, and finding one here was such a fun surprise. The Wilbur is tucked at The Roost and feels like a small, swanky craft cocktail hideaway.

At first glance, it might look like a simple bar, but head inside and push on the bookcase for the hidden lounge. It has a 1920s-inspired feel and an extensive bourbon and wine selection. My favorite touch was the mural of Al Capone, who once owned a local estate.

8. Get Some Mississippi BBQ

If you’re looking for one of the most mouthwatering things to do in Ocean Springs, Murky Waters BBQ is a must. This spot is all about slow-smoked meats, Southern sides, cold drinks, and laid-back bluesy vibes.

We indulged in wings, brisket, and burnt ends, which I finally learned are those perfectly charred, melt-in-your-mouth brisket pieces. Our waitress recommended them, and she did not steer us wrong. Paired with sides like potato salad and crispy onion straws, every bite was a winner.

9. Feel Like a Local at Juke Joint

Imagine a bar that feels like your best friend’s house party, and you’ve got Juke Joint. It’s eclectic, casual, artsy, and full of personality, with quirky decor, nostalgic music, and a dedicated stage for live sets.

This is the place you’ll want to go if you’re looking for a casual nightcap. It’s a little walk from the main part of Government Street, but it was worth it. The locals were warm and inviting, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a live set on the backyard stage.

10. Grab a Coffee from Bright Eyed Brew Co.

You will fall in love with the charm of this adorable little coffee shop. The barista was so knowledgeable and helpful, and I could genuinely feel his excitement when he was helping us decide on a flavor and sharing some local favorite spots.

We got the rum flambé brown sugar, and it was so good. Their syrups are house-made, and you can taste the care that goes into each drink at Bright Eyed Brew Co.

Where to Stay in Ocean Springs, MS

I can’t recommend The Roost enough! Our stay here felt wonderfully cozy. We stayed in the Fern suite, which had everything we needed, including a mini kitchenette and the comfiest bed. I was seriously missing it at our next stop.

The common areas are lovely too. You can relax in a rocking chair outside with a good book or grab a craft cocktail at The Wilbur, The Roost’s hidden speakeasy. The location is perfect for this kind of trip: walkable to Government Street and a quick drive to Biloxi!

Are you ready to experience the best things to do in Ocean Springs, MS?!

I hope this helped you plan your own Ocean Springs getaway! This Mississippi Gulf Coast town is such a cute mix of small-town charm, artsy energy, beachy moments, cozy coffee shops, and great food. I hope this guide to some of the best things to do in Ocean Springs got you excited for your trip!

Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other US blog posts:

Things to Do in Orange Beach, Alabama

Perfect Weekend in Savannah, Georgia

Things to Do on St. Simons Island and Jekyll Island